Q5 3.0T vs SQ5 - is it worth the extra $8-10K?

[97B518TQM]

Hi guys.
I’ve owned Audis for the past 14 years. I currently have a stage 3 2013 S6. Previously had a stage 2 B8 S4 and enjoyed the 3.0T motor, even though it cannot even compare to the 4.0TT in the S6. Anyways, we are looking for a new suv for my wife. She currently has an Acura MDX and it has been a great family car for us for the past six years. She wants to downsize a bit and get something a bit smaller since our kids are a bit older now and don’t require full car seats anymore.
After almost getting a GLC300 Mercedes she finally saw the light and discovered the Q5. For some reason she always overlooked it as an option but it grew on her all of a sudden.
We test drove the one with the 2.0T but it’s just too sluggish. I can’t imagine driving that on a longer trip, especially going up a hill somewhere.
So we are left with the 3.0T, or we were, until she sat in an SQ5. The seats felt much better and it does have the cosmetic touches that make it a bit more attractive.
I know the sq has bigger brakes and a stiffer suspension along with bigger wheels. Is there anything else that makes it worth $8-10k more than a regular 3.0T Q5? We are looking at 2016s mostly. I have really liked a 2016 3.0 Q5 with 31k miles with all the options we are looking for but there are a couple of SQ5s that are calling me :).
Any advise to help tip the scale in either direction would be greatly appreciated.





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[Esquefive]

My wife and I went with the SQ and paid about a 5k premium over comparable Q models that were available locally. We never drove the standard Q but every time I park next to one I feel as if I made the right choice, the subtle differences add up for me and the SQ5 is just such a blast to drive. With good tires the suspension stiffness isn't an issue for us and the seats are very comfortable on long trips. We live in Michigan and one thing that tipped the scales for us was the SQ came with a good set of winter wheels and tires because I prefer to have a dedicated set, that could be another thing to consider in your search if you live in a colder climate.

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[arjun90]

Go with the 2016 3.0T SQ5 if it fits within your budget; otherwise look for a 2013 Q5 3.0T with the S-line and Sports Package (includes 20" wheels), where you will potentially save $10k or more and you'll be able to make all the necessary tunes and custom exhaust to go along with it. It has an electronically controlled suspension; also has drive select. Best of all the 2013 Q5 3.0T's are much easier to mod and they don't have air suspension; go from a detuned engine to a tuned engine in a blink of a flash. I haven't had the need to look for Side Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control. I don't require these extra tech features as they would make me too dependable on technology and potentially be more of a distraction at the end of the day. I know many like the Blind spot detection, but when I test drove a newer Q5 off the Audi dealer lot, I noticed some of the tech still had its limitations.

I originally intended to stay with the Avants (Station Wagons) as my daily driver. The 3.0T engine alone was too good to pass up. I had a much lower budget at first, therefore my goal was to get the A6 Avant (2008 or 2011 with 3.2L or 3.0T respectively). However as the weeks and months went by, it became more apparent that there were a limited number of Avants on the market (most out of reach) and that the chances of finding a good deal were slim-to-none. I ended up increasing my budget just a tad bit and was able to score a 2013 3.0T Q5 SUV with 53,000 miles for a great price from the Audi dealer (I was a little apprehensive with SUV's at first; and was a little puzzled by its true utilitarian nature). If you go on CarGurus, not a single Q5 3.0T is even available at that price point at that mileage. Car drives and feels new and the vehicle was only on the market for 3-4 days. Only components that feel worn are the front shocks, but that's prevalent in these SUV's and is obvious for a car driven in a major metropolitan area.

[choppstixxx]

I feel like this topic has been beat to death, but it's def. personal preference and dependent on your budget. I bought a '16 3.0T Q5 P+ S-Line and don't regret my decision, mines very well optioned and fit my budget of keeping under $30k. I also got mine with lower miles (37k) and still some of the factory warranty left. Sure it woulda have been nice to buy a SQ5, but not at the tune of $5k+ more. I personally mod all my vehicles, so money saved allows me for stuff like summer wheels and a Stage 1 tune that will bring power levels up well past a stock SQ5.

[arjun90]

I'm still debating whether or not to go Stage 1 I'm coming from a Stock '04 A6 C5 Avant. The difference is night and day. Still getting used to the Q5. Its already had its advantages on the highway. Drive with a smile and put on the miles
I might go Stage 1 after I get a little more used to the current spec, but how much do I need, I spend 50% of my drive time in traffic,

I feel like this topic has been beat to death, but it's def. personal preference and dependent on your budget. I bought a '16 3.0T Q5 P+ S-Line and don't regret my decision, mines very well optioned and fit my budget of keeping under $30k. I also got mine with lower miles (37k) and still some of the factory warranty left. Sure it woulda have been nice to buy a SQ5, but not at the tune of $5k+ more. I personally mod all my vehicles, so money saved allows me for stuff like summer wheels and a Stage 1 tune that will bring power levels up well past a stock SQ5.

[choppstixxx]

I'm still debating whether or not to go Stage 1 I'm coming from a Stock '04 A6 C5 Avant. The difference is night and day. Still getting used to the Q5. Its already had its advantages on the highway. Drive with a smile and put on the miles
I might go Stage 1 after I get a little more used to the current spec, but how much do I need, I spend 50% of my drive time in traffic,

Exactly! The 3.0T engine no matter what model it's in is such a great platform. I love how effortlessly it pulls like a freight train, I pass people all the time on backroads when I head down to my boat.

[Phoenix85]

I went with the 16 SQ5 as it is more sporty with the suspension/ brakes (love the red calipers)/ steering wheel and tuning. I got it for about $5k over the Q5 with similar miles. It was more distinguishable too as well as unique. That being said, since you mod and tune your cars anyway, it may make sense to save the cash and go with the 3.0 T Q5 and customize it how you see fit. Also the SQ will probably be more expensive to maintain if you want to take that into account. For me, i typically leave things stock so the upgrade was worth it for me. Give them both one more test drive back to back.

[tmoe]

Hi guys.
I’ve owned Audis for the past 14 years. I currently have a stage 3 2013 S6. Previously had a stage 2 B8 S4 and enjoyed the 3.0T motor, even though it cannot even compare to the 4.0TT in the S6. Anyways, we are looking for a new suv for my wife. She currently has an Acura MDX and it has been a great family car for us for the past six years. She wants to downsize a bit and get something a bit smaller since our kids are a bit older now and don’t require full car seats anymore.
After almost getting a GLC300 Mercedes she finally saw the light and discovered the Q5. For some reason she always overlooked it as an option but it grew on her all of a sudden.
We test drove the one with the 2.0T but it’s just too sluggish. I can’t imagine driving that on a longer trip, especially going up a hill somewhere.
So we are left with the 3.0T, or we were, until she sat in an SQ5. The seats felt much better and it does have the cosmetic touches that make it a bit more attractive.
I know the sq has bigger brakes and a stiffer suspension along with bigger wheels. Is there anything else that makes it worth $8-10k more than a regular 3.0T Q5? We are looking at 2016s mostly. I have really liked a 2016 3.0 Q5 with 31k miles with all the options we are looking for but there are a couple of SQ5s that are calling me :).
Any advise to help tip the scale in either direction would be greatly appreciated.

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I think the big question is are you going to tune and customize? Tune - end result the same between the 2 and most that customize dump stock wheels, exhaust and suspension then the actual differences are less. If you're keeping stock then 100% get the SQ5. FWIW - Since your B8 Stage 2 going dual pulley/port/TB/ZF tune would surprise a stock S6 owner.

[mlux24]

Given it's for the wife, does she really care that much about the extra 80hp power and quad exhaust? Cause if not, you can get the Q5 3.0T S-Line with same SQ flat-bottom steering wheel and SQ seats and save that cash. However, finding these S-Lines would be more needle-in-haystack then just jumping up to the SQ5 trim.

[choppstixxx]

Given it's for the wife, does she really care that much about the extra 80hp power and quad exhaust? Cause if not, you can get the Q5 3.0T S-Line with same SQ flat-bottom steering wheel and SQ seats and save that cash. However, finding these S-Lines would be more needle-in-haystack then just jumping up to the SQ5 trim.

You'd be surprised at how many 3.0T Q5's have the Sport seats/S-Line exterior, it's finding ones with the flat bottom from the factory. But honestly if you really want a FBSW so many B8.5 models use them you can score one pretty inexpensively and re-use the factory Q5 airbag to make it happen. I'd say for most people the power that the Q5 3.0T puts out is more than enough.

[q5 dave]

I'm completely happy with my Q5 3.0T. "no ragrets". If you can live without the badge and plan on modding there's no reason to avoid the q5. Can save a bit on the car and insurance and use that towards mods.

Stock vs stock obviously they are different, but once tuned... all 3.0T's are the same. It'll rip!


bottom line: You can't go wrong, just get what you want! I saw the potential in the Q before I got it, and I enjoy being unique. It's pretty low key until I pass ya WOT

[97B518TQM]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. Very helpful.

The q5 would be for my wife so there will be very limited nodding. Possibly a stage 1 tune just to wake it up a bit, regardless if it’s the q5 or sq5. There won’t be an exhaust going on in the car. She is not into that. She cares about it being one of the darker colors and if it has decent stock wheels :). She also cares about it having as many options as possible, like Peking sensors, keyless entry and start, lane assist, and I also want it to have the BO sound system. So pretty much fully loaded.

I also prefer the look of the sq5 and that’s no surprise but I’m just not sure it’s worth the premium. If it was for me and I was to use it as my main car then I’d get the most performance oriented version. I’ll go and test drive the sq5 this weekend to see how much firmer it rides.


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[Silver_Bullet]

Here's a thread on the topic and my response copied here:

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...0T-or-2015-SQ5

The interesting thing is that the fundamental design is the same, Audi just changes out some components for the SQ5. So if you know what you'd like in the car, you can just upgrade the Q5 components you'd like to improve. The curious thing is some buy the SQ5 and then change out everything that Audi changed to upgrade it from the Q5. So they end up paying that 10-12K just for the badges, which is fine if you have the budget.

The upgraded components for the SQ5 are primarily 1) remapped engine software for more horsepower, 2) additional intercooler, 3) sport oriented springs/dampers, 4) upgraded front brakes with 380mm rotors, 5) 21" wheel package, and 6) sportier sounding exhaust. It's actually not a bad value for the upcharge. But it is easy to make a base Q5 perform better than the base SQ5 with a modest budget. The key areas are 1-3 above - get a tune (ECU/TCU), upgrade the intercooler, and upgrade the springs/dampers with a lowered sportier version. Also upgrade the sway bars. You will make tasty vittles out of any stock SQ5s you come across. The other SQ5 things above are of questionable value. The Q5 brakes are Brembos and very solid and a lot lighter than the "upgraded" SQ5 units (both the disks and the calipers). The SQ5 wheels are all ridiculously heavy at 34-35 lb which is more of a disadvantage than an advantage. The SQ5 exhaust sounds better but there is not much advantage for HP since the base exhaust flows well.

If I could have found an SQ5 for only 5K more than the Q5 (equal year/equal low miles) I would have jumped on it. But I was also happy to have found a nicely priced Q5 with low miles and add a few mods to take it beyond the SQ5 performance wise. I would keep both options open and see what comes up but I would keep the SQ5 upcharge limited to 5K or so since that amount can be applied to the base Q5 to create a monster of a car.

[tmoe]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. Very helpful.

The q5 would be for my wife so there will be very limited nodding. Possibly a stage 1 tune just to wake it up a bit, regardless if it’s the q5 or sq5. There won’t be an exhaust going on in the car. She is not into that. She cares about it being one of the darker colors and if it has decent stock wheels :). She also cares about it having as many options as possible, like Peking sensors, keyless entry and start, lane assist, and I also want it to have the BO sound system. So pretty much fully loaded.

I also prefer the look of the sq5 and that’s no surprise but I’m just not sure it’s worth the premium. If it was for me and I was to use it as my main car then I’d get the most performance oriented version. I’ll go and test drive the sq5 this weekend to see how much firmer it rides.


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That sounds like SQ5 all the way then!

[choppstixxx]

The q5 would be for my wife so there will be very limited nodding. Possibly a stage 1 tune just to wake it up a bit, regardless if it’s the q5 or sq5.

Stage 1 on a SQ5 isn't nearly as much of a jump as on a Q5 in terms of hp/tq addition, I would assume that with the SQ5 DP/Stage 2 will get you more of a punch but at a bigger cost.

[MSq5]

I feel like this topic has been beat to death, but it's def. personal preference and dependent on your budget. I bought a '16 3.0T Q5 P+ S-Line and don't regret my decision, mines very well optioned and fit my budget of keeping under $30k. I also got mine with lower miles (37k) and still some of the factory warranty left. Sure it woulda have been nice to buy a SQ5, but not at the tune of $5k+ more. I personally mod all my vehicles, so money saved allows me for stuff like summer wheels and a Stage 1 tune that will bring power levels up well past a stock SQ5.

Same thing here. If OP wants the plusher interior and emphasis on luxury, go with the SQ5. That may be what his wife expects. For me, I purposefully sought out the S-Line Q5 with 3.0T and the 20" summer tire/wheel package and bought my '17 S-Line new. I knew I would be the primary driver and wanted to start bumping up the power and performance. With just a Stage 1 tune, it jumps from 272 hp up to SQ power level or a bit above. Stage 2 and dual pulley stage 2 get to 430 and above. There are also ZF transmission tuning upgrades available, also.

I just wanted to put the money into performance. So, it depends on the priorities. Luxury, the easy decision is the SQ5. If the S-Line interior (which I think is still very beautiful), is sufficient and you don't really need some of the more advance convenience features, you can save a lot of money, make very significant power mods and still come out way ahead of the cost of the SQ.

[MSq5]

Stage 1 on a SQ5 isn't nearly as much of a jump as on a Q5 in terms of hp/tq addition, I would assume that with the SQ5 DP/Stage 2 will get you more of a punch but at a bigger cost.

I'm no expert, but it seems to me that one you get to Stage 2 and beyond, there is no longer any engine performance difference between SQ and Q 3.0T versions, especially if you have upgraded the heat exchanger.

[Salty Mope]

I think the big question is are you going to tune and customize? Tune - end result the same between the 2 and most that customize dump stock wheels, exhaust and suspension then the actual differences are less. If you're keeping stock then 100% get the SQ5. FWIW - Since your B8 Stage 2 going dual pulley/port/TB/ZF tune would surprise a stock S6 owner.

This^^^

If you plan on swapping suspension for bags/coils, upgrading wheels, BBK, ecu tune, etc. then it probably makes more sense to get a well optioned Q5 3.0T since you'll be changing most of the components that initially differentiate a Q5 from an SQ5.

Based on what you've said about it primarily being your wife's vehicle and minimal intentions for modding, I'd vote for the SQ5 in your situation.

[97B518TQM]

Thanks guys. Tomorrow I hope to get to test drive a fully loaded 3.0t q5 as well as a SQ5 at a nearby dealership. So far I have found the interior to be very similar, especially when comparing the sline q5 to the sq5.
The 21” wheels and bigger brakes actually are swaying me away from the sq5 due to cost of new tires and brake rotor replacement. Plus having such heavy wheels is no fun and will rob some of the performance away.
In a lot of ways I’m leaning a bit more towards a q5 and just getting a stage 1 tune. Saving the $6-8k in price difference will be very nice too.


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[KillerQuattro]

That's what I did, and I am very happy with my Q5.. the cost savings I used as mod money and ended up with a car I really enjoy.

Also, make sure any Q5 options have the sport interior seats. A must have in my opinion..

Left is standard seats, right shows the sport seats.

Good luck!

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[flyfishing]

I have a stage 2 (soon to be 3) s7. My wife wanted a q5. If it were my car, I would have gotten an sq5, but since it was hers and she wouldn't appreciate it as much, I got her a q5. She didn't get why I wanted the 3.0 vs the 2.0. Then she got it and saw why. Then I tuned it and she loves it more now. I don't drive it often, but stage 1 puts it into acceptable car power for me :)

IMO I'd get the 3.0 if it isn't your car and if your wife doesn't care about cars like you do. Tune it do some minor mods if you want and save 8k.

[arjun90]

Definitely look for one with both the S-Line and Sports Package. That will get you the SQ5 style front bucket seats.

I think 20" wheels is the sweet spot. Although I'm still blown away by how much the previous owner paid for four 20" tires

That's what I did, and I am very happy with my Q5.. the cost savings I used as mod money and ended up with a car I really enjoy.

Also, make sure any Q5 options have the sport interior seats. A must have in my opinion..

Left is standard seats, right shows the sport seats.

Good luck!

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[97B518TQM]

Thanks for all the great input everyone.

We ended up purchasing a 2016 Q5 3.0T S-line with all options. It's Daytona gray with the 20" 5 spoke wheels, which is a great combo in my opinion. We looked at 4 different cars that day. This one was the first of the four we saw. Despite being 3 years old it looks brand new without a single scratch or any wear inside. My wife is happy and I am happy I have another Audi to modify. :)

IMG_4681.JPG

[arjun90]

Congratulations on the purchase, you made a wise choice --- as now you have limitless things to do with that Q5

Thanks for all the great input everyone.

We ended up purchasing a 2016 Q5 3.0T S-line with all options. It's Daytona gray with the 20" 5 spoke wheels, which is a great combo in my opinion. We looked at 4 different cars that day. This one was the first of the four we saw. Despite being 3 years old it looks brand new without a single scratch or any wear inside. My wife is happy and I am happy I have another Audi to modify. :)

IMG_4681.JPG

[choppstixxx]

Def. a nice pick up, love the factory 20's. I too have a 2016 3.0T and love every bit of it, even tow my 18 ft boat with it!

[Esquefive]

Looks great!

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[MSq5]

Thanks for all the great input everyone.

We ended up purchasing a 2016 Q5 3.0T S-line with all options. It's Daytona gray with the 20" 5 spoke wheels, which is a great combo in my opinion. We looked at 4 different cars that day. This one was the first of the four we saw. Despite being 3 years old it looks brand new without a single scratch or any wear inside. My wife is happy and I am happy I have another Audi to modify. :)

IMG_4681.JPG

Well-done, sir! Always good to make the wife happy. And it's a huge plus if it makes you happy, too. You will love this choice. Modifications can be spread out over time. The aftermarket parts bin is huge for these cars, as they share many of the same parts as B8 and B8.5 S4 and, of course, the SQ5.

[BG SQ5]

Thanks for all the great input everyone.

We ended up purchasing a 2016 Q5 3.0T S-line with all options. It's Daytona gray with the 20" 5 spoke wheels, which is a great combo in my opinion. We looked at 4 different cars that day. This one was the first of the four we saw. Despite being 3 years old it looks brand new without a single scratch or any wear inside. My wife is happy and I am happy I have another Audi to modify. :)

IMG_4681.JPG

Congrats! Good choice. Jump on a stage 1 tune, and then just enjoy it

[JonF]

Congrats! Look forward to seeing what you do with it.

[tmoe]

Thanks for all the great input everyone.

We ended up purchasing a 2016 Q5 3.0T S-line with all options. It's Daytona gray with the 20" 5 spoke wheels, which is a great combo in my opinion. We looked at 4 different cars that day. This one was the first of the four we saw. Despite being 3 years old it looks brand new without a single scratch or any wear inside. My wife is happy and I am happy I have another Audi to modify. :)

IMG_4681.JPG

Let the mods begin - Great ride and options combo !!